Prelims
3 Judges · 5 Categories
Each judge scores each category from 1–10. The highest-scoring dancers move toward the KCS bracket path when the event format calls for prelim qualification.
KCS Standards
JudgingRules
KCS judging is built so fans can understand what wins without needing to know every move name. Prelims measure the full dancer across five categories. Bracket battles focus on who wins the head-to-head exchange.
Bracket Battles
Head-to-head Edges
In bracket rounds, judges compare dancers directly by category and give the edge to the dancer who won that part of the exchange.
1v1 Battles
2 or 3 Rounds
Undercards are usually 2 rounds. Main events are usually 3 rounds. Official decisions are based on the format announced for that matchup.
Prelim Scorecard
Five categoriesfifty points available
Foundation / Technique
Control, structure, Krump language, execution quality, and how clean the dancer stays under pressure.
Musicality / Timing
How well the dancer hears the track, catches moments, controls pace, and makes choices that match the music.
Character / Presence
Identity, energy, command, intimidation, crowd control, and how fully the dancer owns the round.
Creativity / Originality
Personal style, risk, unexpected choices, new patterns, and the ability to stand out without losing the Krump foundation.
Battle Readiness
The overall sense that the dancer is ready to advance in a bracket or official matchup against another serious competitor.
Battle Edges
Who wonthe exchange?
Bracket scoring is not just about the biggest move. Judges compare the dancers across the core battle edges and decide who was more effective in the exchange.
Foundation
Who showed the cleaner Krump base and stronger movement control in the head-to-head moment?
Musicality
Who used the music better and made the round feel more connected to the track?
Character
Who had stronger presence, identity, command, and battle pressure?
Creativity
Who brought fresher ideas, better variation, and a more original round?
Battle Effectiveness
Who made the bigger competitive impact and did more to win the exchange?
Public Results
Clear decisionsafter the battle
KCS uses 3 judges for prelims and bracket battles.
Prelims use 5 categories scored 1–10 by each judge.
Bracket battles use head-to-head category edges.
Undercard 1v1 battles are usually 2 rounds.
Main event 1v1 battles are usually 3 rounds.
Official results, scorecards, and decision labels may be shown after results are released.
KCS may publish official results, scorecards, category edges, and decision labels after results are released.